A “New Look” for Fall

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New Look, a subset of Simplicity Patterns, has introduced its fall/winter 2011 line. This pattern collection is filled with fashionable and wearable tops, skirts, jackets, ensembles, and–my favorite–dresses. Each pattern features leading design elements, such as pleats, gathers, and twists. These elements give the dresses below a boost, making them perfect for anything from officewear to holiday parties.

Pleat it upPattern 6067 features unusual and flattering pleats. Six diagonal pleats along the bodice center front give a slimming effect. The skirt portion has three pleats: one inverted box pleat at center front and two knife pleats on either side. Choose from two self-fabric belts, a slit or keyhole neckline, and three sleeve variations.Pattern 6070 blends a vintage vibe with a modern look. The bodice has four pleats sewn into a wide waistband, and the skirt has two pleats on one side giving it a fun asymmetrical look. The sleeves are long or elbow length.

Gather ‘roundPattern 6069 is a great holiday party dress. The empire-length bodice is flattering with shoulder and below-the-bust gathers. Make the bodice with a button-adorned, center-front seam or a two-piece, mock-wrap style. The sleeves have gathers at the shoulder and are short or cap length. The skirt is A-line and ends at the knee. Also included is a cute pleated clutch with an optional bow.

Give it a twistPattern 6071 is a simple knit dress or tunic. A faux twist below the bust gives interest to this uncomplicated silhouette. Choose long sleeves, or go sleeveless. This dress is easy to make and can be whipped up in one evening. Dress it up with stretch velvet or down with a simple jersey knit.

New Look's designs are youthful and pretty. My only complaint is the lack of large sizes. I'm a no longer slim 50 year old woman. I sew my clothes because so much of the affordable womens sizes available in RTW are frumpy and ill fitting. I'm a wee bit larger than a standard 18 and 18W is too big. I usually start with a pattern size 22 and adjust smaller where needed. New Look just doesn't work for me.

You know----"everything old IS new again, "---- I made this in dupioni silk, about 1989. Vogue pattern, with a jacket-style over-top, similar in style to the "cardi-wraps "girls are wearing today: sew--history does , indeed, repeat.

You mention 2 of the 3 patterns that caught my eye also and just had to get 6067 with the interesting pleating. It is very flattering. At times it seems that New Look just reissues in new packaging a lot of their same styles so this was refreshing to see this dress. Hopefully we will see some more "New" styles from them later this winter because I really am partial to New Look and find their instructions very intuitive and easy to follow.